Anonymous wrote:Is there a winter swim option in the Vienna/Oakton/east Fairfax/north Burke area that would work for both my 6 and 7 year olds? I only want to do one pick up and one drop off, and I am looking for someone who will physically be in the water with my kids (not standing on the side of the pool). Both kids are in a summer swim program at a division 4 pool. My 7 year old is legal in all 4 strokes, swims in A meets, made divisionals last year, and made all-star relays this year. My 6 year old is legal in all strokes except butterfly and swims in some A meets.

I'm open to semi-private lessons (including at a FCPA rec center) if someone knows a great instructor they can recommend by name.

I am not interested in Swim with Beth, my kids did the year-round option last year and I was not impressed with the 10-to-1 ratio and the instructor not getting into the water. I'm also not interested in club swimming like Machine or York since my 6 year old is not ready for that yet.

Thank you for your thoughts!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you want someone in the water? Sounds like your children have learned the strokes just fine without it. Kids with a decent natural feel for the water do not need someone consistently in the water with them after age 6. They have to learn by listening, seeing a demonstration, and then trying it for themselves and getting feedback. You’re better off giving up the coach in the water requirement and just looking for a low swimmer to coach ratio so your kids get enough individual attention.

OP here. I think my 7 year old would do fine with a coach outside the water, but my 6 year old needs someone to physically move his body. He is not old enough to watch and listen and then replicate what was done.

Anonymous wrote:Mini FISH at Spring Hill would work for you. 6 & 7 year would both fit with that club (at the same practice time) and they have coaches in the water for the 6 year old learning to be legal.

Anonymous wrote:You can do Machine Performance Center 1:2 lesson in Vienna, but they only have limited hours during the school year. If you homeschool, they have more availability during the day. They won’t get in the water. I don’t know anyone outside of SWB or a developmental swimming lesson that has in-water instructors. You should try-out for a club team and do 2 nights per week. NCAP- Burke Bronze III would be good, and Machine has a similar option at Oakmont and Audrey Moore. Centreville Swim Club at Cub Run could work, as can Mason Makos at GMU. I would not do lessons. They will get so much better swimming on a club team.

Anonymous wrote:Try the Competitive Stroke School at Burke Racquet and Swim:
https://burkeracquet.com/aquatics-lessons-programs/#swim-lessons

Anonymous wrote:Why do you want someone in the water? Sounds like your children have learned the strokes just fine without it. Kids with a decent natural feel for the water do not need someone consistently in the water with them after age 6. They have to learn by listening, seeing a demonstration, and then trying it for themselves and getting feedback. You’re better off giving up the coach in the water requirement and just looking for a low swimmer to coach ratio so your kids get enough individual attention.

Anonymous wrote:York has a swim school (coaches in the water) but it’s at Yorktown HS in Arlington.